Joe Palermo has at least one thing in common — if only one thing — with Cardinals Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson. They both wear No. 45.
Gibson got No. 45 in the spring of 1960 and distinguished it over the next 16 seasons. Palermo got No. 45 after putting in 45 distinguished seasons working at Busch Stadiums in St. Louis. This summer marks his 50th year.
“It seems hard to believe it’s been that long,” Palermo said. “You would be amazed. People ask me, ‘How long have you been here? I buy scorecards from you all the time because I used to come with my dad and he would buy a scorecard from you.